L168 Butterfly Pleco – Dekeyseria picta | Popular L-number catfish with butterfly pattern

The L168 Butterfly Pleco ( Dekeyseria picta ) is a popular, strikingly patterned L-number catfish from the Amazon region of Brazil. With its unique pattern of dark and light lines, reminiscent of butterfly wings, it is a real eye-catcher in any aquarium. Its undulating markings are particularly impressive under the right lighting.

The L168 remains compact, reaching a final size of around 10–12 cm, and is a peaceful, active catfish that likes to stay near roots and stones. It prefers soft, slightly acidic water and can easily be kept with other peaceful species.

🌿 Characteristics & Attitude:
🐠 Fish size: S/M (4–6 cm)
🌎 Origin: Brazil (Rio Negro, Amazon region) – Wild caught/Captive bred
🌡️ Temperature: 25-30°C
💧 pH value: 6.0–7.5
⚖️ Total hardness: up to 15 °dGH
🐟 Social behavior: Peaceful, calm, slightly territorial towards other members of their species
🌾 Aquarium: From 100 liters, with roots, stones, sandy bottom & gentle current

🍽️ Feeding:
The Dekeyseria picta (L168) is an omnivore with a plant-based diet. It eats algae, biofilm, and plant-based foods such as spirulina, seaweed wafers, vegetable chips, zucchini, and cucumber. It also accepts frozen foods like brine shrimp or cyclops. Wood in the aquarium is readily used as a source of fiber.

💡 Tip:
A well-structured aquarium with plenty of roots, caves, and a gentle current encourages natural behavior. The butterfly pattern of the L168 stands out particularly well against a dark substrate.

👉 Conclusion:
The L168 Butterfly Pleco ( Dekeyseria picta ) is a peaceful, attractively patterned L-number catfish – ideal for lovers of small, intensely colored species and natural South American aquariums.